- UK Information
- UK Theatres
- About London theatres
- The history of some of London's theatres
- Her Majesty's Theatre
About Her Majesty's Theatre
This theatre has changed names five times now and probably will change again sometime. Erected in 1705, it was named the Queen's Theatre. It later burned and was rebuilt, but by this time the monarch was a king. It became the King's Theatre then. In 1837, the monarchy changed so the name became Her Majesty's Theatre. Another fire caused reconstruction, and the name chosen was the Italian Opera House. This building was demolished and rebuilt to be named His Majesty's Theatre. Of course, when Elizabeth became Queen, the present name became the official name of the theatre.
Many famous operas were produced in the theatre until the fire of 1867. From 1897, the focus was mostly on plays with just an occasional opera. After World War II, musicals seemed to be the favored entertainment here. Chu Chin Chow, Bitter Sweet, Brigadoon, Paint Your Wagon, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and Phantom of the Opera are among the famous musicals which have played here.
There are 1210 seats on the four levels, plenty of room for faithful patrons of Her Majesty's Theatre.
Her Majesty's Theatre Information
Her Majesty's Theatre Performances